2014 volkswagen beetle Model Overview

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Vehicle Overview

The last-generation Beetle — the Volkswagen New Beetle — had an inescapable reputation as a car driven primarily by women. For 2012, Volkswagen went back to the drawing board. The resulting Beetle is more appealing to both sexes, and still honors the original Beetle’s legacy. For 2014 Volkswagen further honors the Bug’s legacy by giving the 2014 Beetle a more modern base engine. The new base engine is a 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 that makes 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It joins the 2014 Beetle TDI, which is powered by a fuel-sipping 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4, and the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line — which was known as the Beetle Turbo up until this year — which is powered by the Volkswagen GTI hot hatch’s 2.0-liter 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque I-4. The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is available as both a coupe and a convertible.

Overall the Beetle has left us hot and cold. The Beetle R-Line promises to perform like a retro-styled GTI on paper, but in our First Test of the Beetle Turbo we found that the car suffered from excessive turbo lag and a transmission designed for fuel economy, and not performance. The Beetle Turbo convertible also suffered from the same problems, though we appreciated the quick-operating hard top. Ultimately, “The Beetle Turbo may not be a GTI, but all agreed it’s more fun to drive and handles better than its predecessor, and certainly looks better.”

In addition to the new base powerplant, Volkswagen has added a special-edition model to the lineup this year. The 2014 VW Beetle GSR is a Beetle R-Line that pays tribute to the original 1970s Beetle GSR with a black and yellow exterior motif, and special badging.

New for 2014

In its third year on the market, significant changes are coming to the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The base 2014 Beetle’s dated 2.5-liter I-5, which makes 170 hp, is going to get gradually phased out this year, with a modern 1.8-liter 170-hp turbocharged I-4 replacing it. The new engine makes the same power as the old one, but is much more efficient than before. Volkswagen also renames its Turbo trim this year, which is now badged as the 2014 Beetle R-Line. Other changes include a heritage-heavy black and yellow version of the Beetle R-Line called the 2014 Beetle GSR, and the availability of VW’s new Car-New infotainment system.

Sum Up

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$21,395

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$14,500

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.

Units Affected

26452

Recall ID#14V658000 - VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY

Consequence

Vehicle occupants could be injured by falling glass. A sunroof break during vehicle operation also increases the risk of driver distraction and a resulting vehicle crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Beetle vehicles manufactured June 13, 2013, to July 3, 2014. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60B9.

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle News and Reviews

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